A preliminary study of the associations among preterm infant behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether relationships exist among various preterm infant behaviors. The study used an exploratory method design. Twenty infants were bathed and a total of 120 baths were video recorded and observed to measure preterm infant behaviors based on the frequency that behaviors occurred. The frequency was measured by using the preterm infant behavioral coding scheme developed for the study. Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used to analyze the behavioral data and examine whether the relationships among these behaviors were significant. The interrater reliability of the behavioral variables ranged from .82 to .99. There were highly positive correlations between the stress behaviors. There was, however, negative correlation between the stress behaviors and the stable behavior (sucking). The occurrences of the stress behaviors were associated with the state of " eyes open " and "fuss or crying". Knowing the associations may enhance NICU nurses ' abilities to identify preterm infant behaviors. While interacting with preterm infants, nurses can sensitively and actively sense preterm infant signals, prevent or ameliorate the early threats to an infant ' s life, and adjust care to support the infant ' s growth and development.